Chennai, Jul 28 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah and Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Monday condoled the death of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Expressing shock and grief, Rosaiah said in his condolence message: "He was a people's president whose mission was to network and ignite young Indian minds towards innovation and creativity."

"The nation has lost a great personality, a statesman, a missile scientist and a compassionate human being and a person of simplicity and humanness," Rosaiah said.

"His death is an irreparable loss to the nation, to the state of Tamil Nadu and to the youth and the children of this nation. I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved members of his family," Rosaiah said.

Expressing her sorrow and grief, Jayalalithaa said: "Former president Kalam was one of the greatest public figures of post independence India. Starting from a very humble background, born into a poor family in Rameswaram, President Kalam rose to the greatest heights through dint of sheer perseverance, hard work and brilliance."

She said Kalam was a great source of inspiration for the people of the country and in particular for children and students.

"He wrote and spoke with great felicity for all Indians and the youth in particular. He became a great youth icon. He touched everyone with his simplicity and grace. He was a true patriot who placed the interests of the country above all else. His mind was full of ideas for harnessing technology for the benefit of the rural poor," she said.